Ward 8 Democrats EndorseTrayon "Ward Eight" White for Council

Anacostia, DC—Today, registered Ward 8 Democrats voted to endorse the campaign of Trayon “Ward Eight” White to become the next Councilmember from Ward 8 in the upcoming June 14th Democratic primary. White becomes the first non-incumbent Ward 8 council candidate to reach the necessary threshold for endorsement in recent election cycles. The endorsement followed a spirited debate where four of the five candidates laid out their vision and plan for advancing the Ward. The event was moderated by newspaper founder and ANC Commissioner Troy Donte’ Prestwood at Anacostia High School in the Fairlawn community.

With a total of 199 ballots counted, White received 135 votes for 68 percent of the vote. Councilmember LaRuby May, who was absent at the forum, came in second with 50 votes for 23 percent. Rounding out the rest of the field was candidates Aaron Holmes with eights votes; Maurice T. Dickens with two votes and Bonita Goode, respectively. A vote percentage of 60 percent or more is required to receive an endorsement from the Ward 8 Democrats.

“We would like to congratulate Trayon White on receiving the endorsement of the Ward 8 Democrats. We hope many of the issues discussed at the forum such as public safety, education, housing and development will remain top of mind as we work to make our Ward great,” said the Ward 8 Executive Committee speaking as one voice. “We would like to thank Councilmember May, Mr. Holmes, Mr. Dickens and Ms. Goode for their participation and engagement of Ward 8 Democratic voters.”

This is the second candidates’ forum where Ward 8 Democrats voted overwhelmingly to endorse a candidate. At the At-Large Council forum held last month at St. Elizabeths Hospital, Councilmember Vincent Orange also received 68 percent of the vote in support of his reelection bid.